New microbial pathogens: a silent evolution and emerging therapeutic frontiers

This viewpoint highlights the evolving threat of microbial pathogens in the post-pandemic era, where beyond COVID-19, a parallel and less visible shift is occurring across healthcare and environmental settings, driven by antimicrobial misuse, globalization, climate change, and increased human–animal interactions. Emerging pathogens such as Candida auris, Elizabethkingia anophelis, Mycobacterium chimaera, and the resurgence of mpox illustrate the growing complexity of infectious diseases. On the other hands, antimicrobial resistance remains the main driver, limiting therapeutic options and necessitating innovative approaches, including combination therapies, novel antifungals, and drug repurposing. Seen from this point of view, adopting a One Health framework is essential to address interconnected human, animal, and environ­mental determinants. Strengthened surveillance, antimicrobial innovation, equitable access, and international collaboration are critical to confronting this ongoing microbial evolution and mitigating future infectious threats. The article discusses key drivers of this phenomenon, such as antimicrobial resistance, climate change, globalization, healthcare-associated factors, and zoonotic spillover. It also outlines current therapeutic and diagnostic challenges, emphasizing the need for antimicrobial innovation, rapid detection tools, One Health strategies, and equitable global access to effective interventions.